In 1968, Jan Palach set fire to himself in Wenceslas Square in Prague to protest the Russian invasion of Czechoslovakia.

In 1965, the Soviet Soyuz 4 and Soyuz 5 linked up to become the first manned spacecraft to dock in Earth's orbit.

In 1979, the Shah of Iran left the country after being forced into exile by Ayatollah Khomeini.

In 1980, the British government announced re-establishment of diplomatic relations with Chile, broken in 1976.

In 1991, Allied forces began their war against Iraq with a massive bombing campaign.

In 1996, federal police in India charged seven political leaders, including six former cabinet ministers, in connection with an $18 million scandal and sought authority to prosecute three ministers in Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao's cabinet.

Newslink

Park City, Utah's famed Sundance Film Festival opens today. Once an obscure event for even more obscure filmmakers, Sundance is a mainstream film industry event now. To get the feel of the festival, and the line on over 100 movies at the show, visit the Sundance official home page. For an independent look what's on tap this year at Sundance, visit the Film Scouts Sundance Web offering.

Holidays and more

Americans do their best to avoid celebrating any holiday on National Nothing Day.